Uzbekistan introduces ban on keeping wild animals in captivity for individuals and circus performances

Starting January 1, 2025, Uzbekistan will enforce a nationwide ban prohibiting individuals from keeping specific wild animals in captivity and will restrict the use of such animals in circus performances. This new measure, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, aligns with Article 43 of Uzbekistan’s “Law on the Protection and Use of Wildlife,” establishing clear guidelines on the private and commercial keeping of wild animals.

Photo: Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change

Under the new regulations, private citizens will be barred from keeping certain wild animals in semi-captive conditions, artificial habitats, or other forms of confinement. The ban also applies to the use of wild animals in public and traveling circuses, prohibiting them from being used for entertainment purposes.

Species included on the prohibited list include various types of spiders, snakes, sharks, turtles, and all species and subspecies of tigers, lions, foxes, wolves, and chimpanzees.

The legislation stipulates that wild animals on this list may only be kept in licensed zoos or nurseries managed by legal entities with permits from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change. Further, any dangerous or endangered species listed in Uzbekistan’s Red Book will be housed in specialized nurseries under stringent legal protection.

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